Material Update:
The global availability of PVC is currently limited due to damaged production resources in the supply chain. Because we work with multiple suppliers as a normal business practice, we have numerous options that can be a great (or sometimes superior) substitute. We’re happy to walk you through the possibilities! Call us today to discuss your needs & let us find a material solution for you.
Material Name: Flexible PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Flexible PVC provides a good balance of tensile strength, tear resistance, and weatherability. Very popular due to its versatility and low cost. It’s available as a natural or colorable compound with a choice of durometers, biocide, and NSF. PVC is also popular as rigid PVC.
Flexible PVC Pros
- Low cost
- Weather resistant grades
- Good tear strength and kink resistance
- Good compression set values
Flexible PVC Cons
- Plasticizer migration may cause stiffness and brittleness over time. Non-migration formulas are available at a higher cost.
- Flexible PVC may stiffen in cold temperatures.
Definition
Polyvinyl chloride is produced by the polymerization of the vinyl chloride monomer. Flexible PVC is made with the addition of plasticizers which allows for a softer, more malleable material that is often used in applications where it can replace rubber.
Applications
Flexible PVC is a low-maintenance, strong, and lightweight plastic often in many markets, including medical, construction, manufacturing, retail, and nearly everything in between.
Products
- Tubes and hosing
- Gaskets and seals
- Bumpers
- Cable insulation
- Water stops
- Sleeves
Properties
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL VALUE | UNITS | ASTM METHOD |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYSICAL | |||
| Shore Hardness: Instantaneous | 70 | A scale | S-2240 |
| Shore Hardness: 15 second | 64 | A scale | S-2240 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.37 | D-792 | |
| MECHANICAL | |||
| Tensile Stress @ 100% | 600 | psi | D-638 |
| Tensile Strength @ break | 1,400 | psi | D-638 |
| Tensile Elongation @ break | 400 | % | D-638 |
| Tear Strength, Die C | 160 | lb/in | D-624 |
| THERMAL | |||
| Brittleness Temperature | -40 | °F | D-746 |
The information provided above is based on typical values, and is believed to be reliable. No warranty is given as to the suitability of the product for a particular application. Determination of the suitability of this product for any use is solely the responsibility of the user.
Custom Plastic Extrusion
Whether its extruded flexible PVC or any number of different plastics, choosing the perfect material for a new extrusion project can be an intimidating task. Intek works closely with industry-leading material manufacturers to offer you many different thermoplastic compound options to meet your project’s needs. And Intek Plastics’ tool and die team applies their knowledge and expertise with the most advanced CAD/CAM software, CNC machining and the latest in EDM technology to custom build the highest quality tools. They’ll work with you to literally shape your ideas and take them from concept to production.
Capabilities
With over 30 production lines, we can manufacture flexible PVC extrusions 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, allowing us to scale production to complete large orders of any complexity. And our extensive extrusion experience in pellet and powder compounds, as well as our advanced cooling capabilities in water, air and vacuum sizing, allow us to succeed in jobs of any shape or size. We serve a wide range of OEMs with orders from 5,000 to 15,000,000 feet.
Did you know that a whopping 85% of the cost of custom plastic extrusions are determined by the design and material? That’s why it’s important to work with an PVC extruder like Intek who will work hand-in-glove with you and design a high-quality product at the lowest total cost. We start by gaining a deep understanding of your needs. Armed with that information, an Intek project engineer guides you through material selection, highlights critical design considerations and helps develop the most cost-effective solution. This hands-on, knowledge-driven approach keeps your product and business a step ahead of the competition. We’re happy to walk you through the flexible PVC selection process.